Tihidi: A mini stadium near Tihidi Government High School in Bhadrak district is set for a Rs 14-crore revamp, raising hopes among local sportspersons after years of neglect.
More than Rs 30 lakh was spent on developing the ground about 12 years ago, but it remained unsuitable for sporting activities. Initial work included an entrance gate and a players’ rest room, while plans to level the ground were left incomplete.
Allegations of financial irregularities surfaced during the earlier development work, with claims that only limited work was carried out despite the expenditure.
However, no action by the authorities was reported. The locked entrance has since become overgrown, forcing block- and district-level sporting events to be held at Kali Padia, under Chandrasekhar Ranakar Sahayog High School.
The state government’s Sports Department has reportedly sanctioned Rs 14 crore for the stadium’s construction. Local players and sports enthusiasts have welcomed the move and thanked Higher Education and Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.
Construction is expected to begin af ter the tendering process is completed.